Business Profile: Te Aroha Tractors
Te Aroha Tractors have exponentially grown their business, along with the addition of some key brands such as Polaris, Lemken, and Giant
Farming and rural businesses rely on each other for growth and development. Te Aroha couple Stan and Fiona Knight have a particularly in-depth understanding of the importance of this relationship to ensure mutual success.
While Fiona manages the family dairy farm, including milking the herd of around 460 cows, Stan’s focus is on keeping the family business Te Aroha Tractors growing. Together, they have a unique viewpoint of that of both the end user and the supplier.
Steady growth
The couple bought Te Aroha Tractors just four years ago and have already grown the business from its team of five to 23 staff, along with the addition of some key brands such as Polaris, Lemken, and Giant, in addition to their core business of Landini and McCormick tractors.
With such a diverse range of farming in the area (Morrinsville, Te Aroha, Coromandel, and Matamata), including dairy and goat farming, as well as horticulture, cropping, and contracting, the Te Aroha Tractors’ busy yard is an accurate representation of their demographic.
From large Lemken cultivation equipment (including the newly-released Compact Solitaire and Heliodor 9) through to Husqvarna mowers for lifestyle blocks and Samasz mowers for grass growers, there’s also a freshly arrived fleet of the latest offerings from Polaris, including the racy RZR.
"We’re really committed to being able to provide good-quality brands at the most affordable price we can negotiate," says Stan. "I put myself in every customer’s shoes because at the other end of the business, we’re also farmers, so know how important every piece of machinery is, along with the decisions that go into purchasing."
With a background as a diesel technician, Stan has an appreciation for quality workmanship and ensuring the brands he does represent are well built and suitable for the job they are required for.
His background also ensures the business offers top-notch workshop and after-sales service, along with carrying a good range of parts and accessories.
The most recent additions to the yard are Lemken and Polaris, and Stan and his team are delighted to be able to offer these two quality brands.
"In terms of Polaris, they’ve got an awesome product and a great R&D focus, which is really important. The brand is very forward-thinking and we’re proud to be part of that.
"Lemken is another brand recognised for its quality and durability and we’re currently demoing the latest offerings with local farmers and contractors."
The backbone of the business has long been its commitment to Landini and McCormick tractors through its role as Waikato dealer for the brands.
"They’re a good honest tractor, assembled in Italy and built around high-quality componentry. With my background, I like to know the machinery we represent is solid and fit for task and these tractors are really versatile and cost efficient," says Stan.
Te Aroha Tractors sold the first McCormick X5.45 in New Zealand and Stan says the brands tend to fly under the radar a bit.
"But they definitely deliver. The 2018 X6 Series McCormick took the title of the 2018 Tractor Utility of the Year award and they really do lend themselves to a huge range of work situations."
Community focus
Te Aroha Tractors has been an integral part of the community for some decades, and with three children, Stan and Fiona proudly continue this tradition. The business sponsors and supports local teams, clubs, schools, and individuals and is often involved in community projects.
"We were both born here in Te Aroha. We grew up here and are raising our family here. We’re committed to the community we are proudly part of," says Fiona.
One-stop shop
As well as its range of agricultural machinery, Te Aroha tractors also caters for those looking for smaller gear, such as lawnmowers, lifestyle block, and landscaping equipment. This includes Husqvarna chainsaws, trimmers, brushcutters (weedeaters), cultivators, garden tractors, and mowers.
"We do everything from agricultural to heavy diesel (including pre COFs), hydraulics, ewp/crane certifications, automotive (WOFs), auto electrical, air conditioning, lawn and garden as well."
There’s a sizeable collection of parts and accessories, both for large machinery as well as items such as D-shackles and other small useful parts.
"We try to carry parts that our customers regularly come in looking for and be a bit of a useful one-stop shop," says Stan. "We not only want to catch up when they’re after a new or second-hand machine but also work alongside them for regular servicing and maintenance, as well as helping out as much as we can in terms of keeping their business operating smoothly."
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